STAMFORD, CT - Stamford Mayor David Martin and the Street Smart Initiative are encouraging parents and children to follow safe trick-or-treating habits on Halloween. In order to stress this message, Mayor Martin today read a book about walking with a buddy to a “Mother Goose” class at the Ferguson Library.

“Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children of all ages,” said Mayor Martin. “We want to make sure that it stays fun all night by being vigilant and safe. Parents, please remind kids to be safe by crossing in crosswalks and looking both ways. And to all drivers, please drive extra carefully through residential neighborhoods tomorrow. Halloween can be very exciting for young children and they may dart quickly away from the group they are with.”

Other safe trick-or-treating walking tips include:
· Plan a route around your neighborhood to avoid getting lost and make sure the kids only go to homes with the porch light on.
· Walk, don’t run, across the street
· Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
· Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them
· Watch for cars that are turning or backing up
· Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. Stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups

Costume Tips
· Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors
· Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision
· Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers

For Adults: Drive Safely!
· Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
· Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
· Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully